Buffalo Bills News - March 16, 2004

Bills release backup quarterback Van Pelt [6:30 PM]AP reports:
'The Bills would not provide any other details on the move, but Van Pelt was spotted a day earlier at the team's headquarters wearing a plastic cast on his right wrist. Van Pelt missed Buffalo's final game of the season at New England after he strained his wrist the previous week during warmups.'

Saints sign FB Gash to one-year deal [4:59 PM]NewOrleansSaints.com reports:
'The New Orleans Saints have added one of the NFL's top fullbacks to their backfield with the signing of two-time Pro Bowl FB Sam Gash to a one-year contract, it was announced today by Executive Vice-President/General Manager Mickey Loomis.'

Saints sign fullback, cut Carter [4:57 PM]AP reports:
Veteran fullback Sam Gash signed with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday. The Saints also cut three players, including cornerback Dale Carter.

Vincent Impressed With Mularkey, Organization [3:15 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'"First of all, Mr. Wilson and his reputation there's not much I can say about him. We all know what he's done for the National Football League. He's given us all an opportunity to live out our dreams. I think more importantly coach (Mike) Mularkey. When I met him, I didn't know much about him but I've heard of him before and what he's done in his years at Pittsburgh. He was just real. He was a genuine gentleman. He wasn't trying to paint a picture of what he can do. He wasn't making any promises. First and foremost he started talking about his family in our discussion. My family comes first. I think everything else takes care of itself after that. He emphasized that. He emphasized that he was not going to be on the couch sleeping here at the stadium all night. He was going to come in and get his work done and he expects the same from the players. I can truly appreciate that. I can appreciate his honesty."'

Bills sign CB Troy Vincent [1:54 PM]The Sports Network reports:
'Vincent broke into the NFL as a first-round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins in 1992 out of Wisconsin and was the seventh player selected overall. He spent the 1992-95 seasons with the Dolphins before joining the Eagles as a free agent in 1996.'

Bills Acquire Troy Vincent [11:56 AM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'In his 12-year career, Vincent has started 172 of the 174 regular season games in which he appeared and has recorded 42 interceptions, 858 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and 5 fumble recoveries.'

Neufeld Gains Coaching Experience in NFL Europe [11:55 AM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'"I always thought that coaching may be something I want to do when I am done playing football," Neufeld said. "I worked in the offseason last year as a coach for St. Francis High School in the Buffalo community, and that helped me obtain the internship I have now."'

Vincent will sign rich deal with Bills [8:52 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'How much star-caliber football does Vincent have left? That's a key question. The Eagles did not make any effort to re-sign him. If Vincent could play two good years at cornerback and then successfully switch to safety, that would be a good scenario for Buffalo.'

Vincent leaves Eagles for Bills - $20 million [8:51 AM]Press of Atlantic City reports:
'More significantly, Vincent was a strong presence in the locker room. As the team's players' union representative, he served as the go-between for the players and coach Andy Reid. The Trenton native also was extremely active in the community with various business and charity ventures.'

Troy Vincent gone [8:47 AM]phillyBurbs.com reports:
'But the Eagles felt that at 32 years old, Vincent had lost a step, was becoming injury prone, and was no longer the player he was a few years ago.'

Bills, Vincent reach deal [5:16 AM]Rochester D&C reports:
'“He’s made his decision and he feels very good about it,” Bodley said. “What made it so hard and what took so long was that he was dealing with three very good teams, three very good coaches, three very good front offices and three very good cities. He couldn’t have gone wrong.”'

Vincent is leaving for Buffalo [5:15 AM]Philadelphia Inquirer reports:
'He received a $3.6 million signing bonus, a good deal for a cornerback who will be 33 in June, but less than nine other free agents at that position have signed for since the signing period began March 3.'

Vincent said to agree to terms with Bills [5:14 AM]Philadelphia Daily News reports:
'The Bills employ former Eagles personnel chief Tom Modrak, who is fond of Vincent. Buffalo apparently hopes Vincent can mentor 2001 first-round draft choice Nate Clements, their other starting corner. Vincent made his first visit to the Bills and subsequently traveled to Kansas City and Cincinnati.'

Vincent chooses Bills [5:13 AM]Cherry Hill Courier Post reports:
'"Until my play tells me different I think I can still play at a high level," said the 32-year-old Vincent. "I think I've shown that. I still believe I bring great value to a football team. I'm not going to the (Pro Bowl) All-Star game by reputation. My club doesn't send me there. It's about winning Super Bowls. It's about contributing and being part of an organization that is committed to the community as well as committed to winning."'

Day of decision on Owens; Vincent a Bill [5:12 AM]Delaware County Times reports:
'Vincent, who in Buffalo will be reunited with former Eagles personnel chief Tom Modrak, reportedly gets a signing bonus of $3.6 million. He replaces 26-year-old Antoine Winfield, who inked a six-year, $35 million pact with a $10.8 million signing bonus with the Minnesota Vikings.'

Off to Buffalo [5:11 AM]Trenton Times reports:
'"I think once they knew they weren't getting Antoine back, they wanted me," Vincent said. "All three teams were good to me. That's what made it tough to make a decision. But I had to take emotions out of the mix and not compromise on what was best for me and my family.'

Vincent accepts offer from Bills [5:10 AM]Cincinnati Enquirer reports:
'"It's not a negative for us," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said in a radio interview of losing Vincent. "It's a decision he had to make for himself and his family."'

Volek Nearing Decision [5:09 AM]Cincinnati Post reports:
'The Bengals have targeted the defensive secondary as an area of need this offseason, and Vincent, who turns 33 in June, was highest on their wish list. Taylor, 30, despite missing 10 weeks last season with a strained foot suffered in the season opener, wasn't far behind. He has a trip set to visit Washington on Thursday and is still contemplating taking a look at Dallas.'

Chiefs lose Vincent in shuffle [5:09 AM]Kansas City Star reports:
'Vincent also might have simply accepted the best financial offer. Financial terms of the Bills' contract and the Chiefs' offer were unavailable, but Vermeil said last week Vincent would have competed with Eric Warfield and Dexter McCleon for a starting job, indicating the Chiefs may not have offered starter's money.'

Volek nearing decision [5:09 AM]Nashville Tennessean reports:
'The Bills, who also wrapped up a deal with free agent cornerback Troy Vincent yesterday, were a late entry in the negotiations for Volek, but they were serious enough to have contacted Staninger at least three times yesterday.'

Johnson enters picture as Volek saga continues [5:08 AM]Nashville City Paper reports:
'As for Volek, who has a three-year offer on the table from the Falcons, agent Ken Staninger told The City Paper that only Tennessee and Atlanta had made proposals to his client.'

March 15, 2004

Agent: CB Vincent agrees to terms with Bills [9:09 PM]AP reports:
'Vincent's agent Linda Bodley told The Associated Press her free-agent client agreed to a six-year deal, choosing Buffalo ahead of two other teams -- Cincinnati and Kansas City -- that had courted him. ``He's relieved that he's finally made a decision,'' Bodley said. ``And with any of the three teams he couldn't go wrong. He's very pleased.'''

Bills pick up C Teague's $2 million bonus option [5:45 PM]AP reports:
'Barring an offseason move, Teague will continue centering a line that is bookended by emerging tackles Mike Williams and Jonas Jennings. The Bills bolstered their right guard position by signing Chris Villarrial earlier this month.'

Cornerback spurns offers from Bengals, Chiefs [5:15 PM]ESPN reports:
'Vincent, a five-time Pro Bowl player and until Monday arguably the premier defender still available in free agency, chose the Bills over proposals made by the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs. He considered the offers during the weekend and after visiting with the Chiefs coaches and officials last week, and had promised all a decision by Monday.'

Center gets $2 million option bonus [4:59 PM]ESPN reports:
The Bills picked up the two-year option on center Trey Teague, giving him a $2 million option bonus. Teague is now signed through the 2005 season. By picking up the option, the Bills are retaining the final two years and $5.75 million of his contract.

Titans Backup QB Pops In [3:04 PM]WGR-AM reports:
'He stopped into town as part of his free agency tour, but left early Monday.'